Popular Destinations

Malaysia : Safety by City

Malaysia is a country located in Southeastern Asia, partly on a peninsula of the Asian mainland and partly on the northern third of the Borneo Island.

The western side of Malaysia borders with Thailand is connected with Singapore by a causeway and a bridge, and has coastlines on the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, while the eastern side of Malaysia (Borneo) borders with Brunei and Indonesia.

In time, it has developed into one of the richer nations in Southeast Asia with its investments in high technology and its oil wealth, and since that is the case, Malaysia became a bingo for many tourists: it isn’t a third world country, but a developed one where everything works well with high-tech technology, yet its prices are more than reasonable compared to other developed countries in its vicinity, like Singapore.

So, even though it is crawling with visitors and has a reputation of a safe country, there are definitely areas to be avoided.

Warnings & Dangers in Malaysia

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Malaysia is generally a safe country to visit. It is a country where you are unlikely to encounter violence, but you should be careful when it comes to petty crime because its rate is high. Apart from that, Malaysia is exposed to a greater risk of terrorist attacks. However, it is still filled with tourists, and if you venture to this country you are likely to have a smooth trip with no incidents.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

As mentioned, some taxis do not have meters so make sure you negotiate the price before entering the vehicle. Also, if you are taking a taxi late at night, never hail them down on the street, but rather call the taxi service, since you might get ripped off. Road conditions in Peninsular Malaysia are mostly fine but in East Malaysia the conditions are poor and there have been reports of crashes and accidents happening along the roads at night.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH

There is a great risk of pickpockets. In this country, you definitely shouldn't let your guard down. Avoid carrying your belongings with you, and if you do, never carry anything in your pocket or a purse.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

During the rainy season in Malaysia, which lasts from October to February, flooding and landslides are a common threat, due to heavy rains. Oceanic coastlines may experience tsunamis, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre website offers more information on the potential for tsunamis.Another threat is the smoke haze that may happen from June to October, during which authorities recommend limited outdoor activities.

MUGGING RISK : HIGH

Mugging is relatively rare in Malaysia, but it does happen. There have been reports of criminals using knives to cut off tourists' bags. The mentioned islands off the coast of eastern Sabah are best to be avoided, especially the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. This is the area where the threat is coming from both terrorist and criminal groups since they've been known to kidnap people.

TERRORISM RISK : HIGH

Terrorist attacks are very likely in Malaysia. There is a risk of kidnapping, for tourists especially, on the eastern coast of Sabah, particularly the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. During the past years, an increase in kidnapping reports has been noted in the southern Philippines.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

There is a number of scams performed in Malaysia, mostly distractions executed in order to separate you from your belongings or take advantage of you in another way. Many taxis do not have meters so be sure to negotiate the price of the ride before entering the vehicle, and do not use your credit card unless it's at established buildings and businesses.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Malaysia is, generally speaking, safe for women travelers. Try avoiding dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.

So... How Safe Is Malaysia Really?

Malaysia is a relatively safe country to visit.

Violent crime rates are low, so getting mugged, kidnapped or assaulted is unlikely, but robberies and assaults do happen, sometimes even involving weapons, so it is best to be wise.

Malaysia’s greatest safety issue is petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and other types of petty thefts.

There have even been reports of criminals using sharp knives to cut the bag from a tourist or a passenger.

Be careful and follow the advice you hear from the authorities or other locals.

Like in most countries in Asia, there are areas that are best to be avoided, such as all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau.

Get well informed with the locals or your tourist organization about the places to avoid in Malaysia.

Since it is a multicultural, mostly Muslim country, be sure to show respect for local customs, tradition, and culture, and think about your actions in order not to accidentally offend someone of other religious beliefs our culture.

Since it is predominantly Muslim, you should dress modestly in this country, covering your legs and arms if you’re a woman, and your chest and legs if you’re a man.

Useful Information

Visas - Visas for entering Malaysia are given upon arrival and most nationals do need one in order to enter Malaysia. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Currency - Malaysian ringgit is the official currency in Malaysia. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and but be careful when handling credit cards in public and money in general.

Weather - From October to February, the climate in East Malaysia is humid and wet, and heavy rain is to be expected, while the wettest month on the west in August. Mostly, Malaysia has a tropical climate with and the temperatures aren't too high. the average temperature in this country ranges from 20°C to 30°C.

Airports - Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located 35 miles south of the Malaysian capital and is the busiest airport of the country. It is also one of Southeast Asia's busiest airports and serves as a home base to both AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.

Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Malaysia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

terrorist

Hv u been there before? I have four times and I can assure u that Malaysia is not a terrorist country. Absolutely safe country, so pls get ur facts checked. Just cus it’s Muslim majority doesn’t mean that it has to be a terrorist country

Not the safest of places

Not your lucky day

I’ve been to Adelaide, Australia and got things stolen. I’ve been to Paris, Fracis witness pickpocketing on the street Does that make Australia & France not the safest place in the world, and granted them 1 star?

It is unfortunate that your things got stolen in Malaysia. You just had bad luck. I do hope you have travel insurance.

Enjoyed Malaysia

Malaysia is a safe country. The Malaysian people welcomes people of all races and nationality. Most Malaysian people are kind to tourists. Nowadays it is easier to travel via grab if you are around town. Or you can use the MRT or LRT.

Malaysian people are not terrorist. They are from diversified races but have lived peacefully. There were so many interesting and delicious food to eat in Malaysia, wkth every state having their own specialty.

Eventhough some of the reviews state they had a bad experience, I think generally Malaysia is 99% fun place to visit. They have many activities like visiting The National Park, art and crafts of the East Coast area, KLCC, Petrosains, the Island Langkawi and feed the eagles, Kundasang Sabah, enjoying the food in Johor Bahru and Penang area, elephant sanctuary in Pahang, back to nature at Janda Baik, visit the casino or the cool weather Genting Highlands and many more.

Women travelling alone in Msia is generally safe. The usual notes would be to not travel in dark alleys at night. Malaysia is rather warm, cotton teeshirt would be great and because their official religion is Islam, maybe try to dress appropriately without actually having to cover up. All in all Malaysians usually welcome the tourists with open arms.

Vibrant

I can only talk about KL. Had a 2-day stopover traveling with 3 children. Felt very safe and the overall experience was good. I loved the vibrancy of all the different cultures living in what appeared to be harmonious. The food was great. Will return.

Great Holiday Destination

We Visit Malaysia every year for a month. We have always found the people friendly and helpful. If you get a local SIM card cabs can be ordered in line and are safe and cheap. The food is good and personally we have never witnessed any crime , except maybe the driving !!! Watch out for motor bikes.

i can ensure you that i have never heard of any terrorist attack in my 25 yaers living there. i think most of you that says there are terrorist attack is because you visit there when the raya festival as may locals play mercun and bunga api as a tradition .

This site says the risk of terrorism is HIGH?

I’ve never been to Malaysia but this site describes the chance of terrorism as HIGH (see above) and says ‘terrorist attacks are very likely in Malaysia. There is a risk of kidnapping, for tourists…’ On that basis, I wouldn’t go!

Must see country

I’m a experienced traveller and travelled all over the world- Risk of terrorism is high in islands near Philippines, no where near mainland! in fact closer to Philippines lol, so not relevant as most tourists don’t go there anyway. I been to Malaysia dozens of times over 25 years and travelled all over, very safe country. East Malaysia has some issues so be more mindful there, in K.L Usual stuff like pickpockets like most countries not as bad as many places in Europe. I’m more concerned in Barcelona, Rome and Paris with pickpockets than K.L (I’m a big lad who can certainly look after myself) People in Malaysia are very friendly and police everywhere. People don’t tend to mess about in this country as you can go to jail for a very long time!!!! There still had death penalty when I was there years ago, not sure if they still do. Everybody speaks English, the food is probably the best in the world. Not kidding..there are 1000s of ex pats living there from all over the world and is so westernised. Shopping food attractions are better than most western countries. The country is beautiful and truly a place everybody should visit. Only down side is- don’t go late August and september onwards until late november, to K.L as this is when fire season starts in Indonesia when they burn don’t their forests for oil palm planting, which causes huge pollution issues in Malaysia. 15 years ago blue skyies all year , now when fire season starts pollution blocks out the sun! very bad. Some tropical islands have been neglected from tropical paradise to litter problems and over developed tourists areas. When I first went 1992 it was crystal blues waters blue skies and tropical jungles. Malaysia has grown rapidly and this has taken its tool on some areas. I last went 2019 and still love the country just unfortunate I went to K.L in sept (no sun) went to east coast and blue skies. Travelled down to Singapore, that’s always a must. Sorry some people have had a bad experience, that’s always crap. I live in UK and that can happen anywhere.